NSW and ACT Fires - 8th January 2013

Residents in NSW areas with a "catastrophic" fire danger woke up to sweltering temperatures. The Southern Ranges and Illawarra/Shoalhaven areas have been given the highest possible fire danger rating. A total fire ban has been declared statewide, and all national parks, state forests and reserves have been closed to the public. Selected images available from www.fairfaxsyndication.com. Follow us at http:\twitter.com/photosSMH.